New career chapter for Cummings

Athens Olympic Silver medallist and recent winner of a World Cup Gold medal Steve Cummings confirmed his arrival in the world of international cycling when he signed for Landbouwkrediet-Colnago, one of Europe's top Continental teams last Friday in Brussels, soon after winning his first World Cup track Gold medal in Manchester last Saturday.

After the team's presentation, Cummings was very confident about his move into professional cycling and the racing programme ahead. "The team seems well organized and seem to have a lot of confidence in my abilities," he said. "I can't wait for my first race with the team, which will be the Tour of Langkawi. It seems possible that my programme will include Trofeo Luis Puig as well as the Tour of Murcia and the Tour of Valencia. These races in Spain are a very possible option and I just can't wait to get started."

The British neo-pro enjoyed the team's first get-together and is looking forward to using the newly provided bike. "It is really good to meet with the team at last and receiving our team kit," he said. "A real plus was receiving the top of the range Colnago bikes. Now that I'm here, I have properly realized this is likely to be the start of a new chapter in my career."

Cummings expects much from himself and has high goals for this season, his first as part of the professional peloton. "I want to help my new team gain success," he stated as his top priority. "I love winning races myself, but get great satisfaction from helping teammates win. I also want a Gold medal in the World Championship team pursuit in Los Angeles and the World Cup in Manchester. It would be great to get a pro victory on the road in my first year and ride in a major classic."